Apple iPod Nano 8GB review

Ultra-portable, sounds superb but still a tad pricey Tested at £115

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Class-leading in every respect, this is our ultra-portable MP3 player of choice

Pros

  • +

    Feels good

  • +

    that slick Apple interface

  • +

    neat features

  • +

    the sound is superb

Cons

  • -

    Despite that price drop, it’s still relatively expensive

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

You need only take a glance back at the history of Apple’s iPod Nano, first released as a replacement for the iPod Mini, to see that this is a product that has struggled more than most to find its niche in the market.

In its time, it has come in a variety of shapes and designs – from long and thin, to square, back to long and thin, and now small and square again. Relatively dramatic changes all.

We weren’t completely convinced by this sixth-generation Nano when we first saw one. It no longer plays videos – but that screen is very small – and there’s no video camera.

Price drops by £30

However a recent update has knocked £30 (about 20 per cent) off the price. It has also improved the fitness app and added a neat clock-face feature which allows you to view the Nano like a watch.

The unit is still available as an 8GB or 16GB model. The iPod Touch is now considerably more expensive (although, of course, you also get far more in the way of features, too).

So the Nano, with its excellent multi-touch screen, movable icons and predictably excellent sound, finally has space to breathe in Apple’s line-up as a fully functioning ultra-portable.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test